Funding Available for Oregon Conservation Easements

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service in Oregon (NRCS Oregon) is currently accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easements Program (ACEP). This sign-up period includes eligible parcels for both Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE).

While applications for ACEP-ALE and ACEP-WRE are taken on a continuous basis, interested applications should apply for Fiscal Year 2026 funding by January 15, 2026.

Agricultural Land Easements (ALE)
ACEP-ALE provides cost-share financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing perpetual Agricultural Land Easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of eligible land. In the case of working farms, the program helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agricultural production. The program also protects grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland, and shrubland. Eligible partners include American Indian tribes, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations that have farmland, rangeland, or grassland protection programs.

Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE)
Through ACEP-WRE, NRCS helps landowners and tribes restore, enhance, and protect wetland ecosystems. NRCS and the landowner work together to develop a plan for the restoration and maintenance of the easement.

The Wetland Reserve Easements component of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program provides habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife including threatened and endangered species; improves water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals; reduces flooding; recharges groundwater; protects biological diversity; and provides opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.

All ACEP-WRE applications are ranked according to the potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife. Compensation with a payment rate is based on an individual land appraisal (established by the Geographic Area Rate Cap [GARC]), or landowner offer, whichever is less). It is important that applicants provide accurate records of ownership to USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). All landowners listed on the deed must work with their local FSA to ensure all required documents are filed (including Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan, as well as the adjusted gross income and conservation compliance forms).

How to Apply
For more information about ACEP-ALE and ACEP-WRE, please refer to the NRCS-Oregon ACEP Program Webpage or the NRCS ACEP-ALE national webpage. Questions about the program can be emailed to the state NRCS easement team at [email protected].

To learn how to get started with NRCS, click here, or visit your local USDA service center. To learn how to sign up for free email alerts about the latest NRCS program and national funding opportunities, click here.   

More Information
To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don't have an account, sign up today.